In order to classify, regulate, restrict and segregate the uses of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings and to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings and to regulate the density of population, eighteen (18) classes of zones are by this ordinance established to be known as follows:

Where areas are shown upon the zoning map enclosed with an O, the areas thus shown are intended to approximate the future location for that type of land use indicated by the symbol therein enclosed within a circle. (See Chapter 17.42.) Uncircumscribed symbols within such designated areas represent classification.

(Ord. 16-1371 §1.1, 2016; Ord. 12-1334 §2, 2012; Ord. 09-1300 §2, 2009; Ord. 96-1155 §34, 1996; prior code § 300)

(Ord. # 23-1471 §3, adopted 11/14/2023, effective 08/05/2024)

Effective on: 8/5/2024

"More restrictive uses" as employed in this title means the following:

1. A.
   Those uses first permitted in the R-1 zone are the most restrictive.
2. B.
   All other uses are less restrictive in the order they are first permitted in the zones in the sequence shown R-2, R-3, R-P, C-1, C-2, C-3 and M. (Prior code Appx. A, § 301)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The location and boundaries of the various zones are such as are shown and delineated on the zoning map of the city of Hermosa Beach, a copy of which is on file in the clerk’s office and by this reference made a part of this title. (Prior code Appx. A, § 302)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The zoning map may, for convenience, be divided into parts and each such part may, for purposes of more readily identifying areas within such zoning map, be subdivided into units and such parts and units may be separately employed for purposes of amending the zoning map or for any official reference to the zoning map. (Prior code Appx. A, § 303)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance adopting an amended zoning map, or part of said map, or unit of a part of zoning map, which said amended maps, or part or units of parts, when so adopted, shall be published in the manner prescribed by law and become a part of this title. (Prior code Appx. A, § 304)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zone shown upon a zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules of construction shall apply:

1. A.
   Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
2. B.
   In the case of unsubdivided property, and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundaries, unless the same are indicated by dimensions, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on said zoning map.
3. C.
   Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley shall acquire the classification of the property to which it reverts.
4. D.
   Areas of dedicated streets or alley and railroad rights-of-way other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in one (1) of the zones provided in this title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for purposes lawfully allowed and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating tracks, signals, other operative devices and movement of rolling stock.
5. E.
   Any property which, for any reason is not designated on the zoning map as being classified in any of the zones established hereby, or any property annexed to or consolidated with the city subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be deemed to be classified as R-1 zone until the same shall have been otherwise classified in the manner set forth in Chapter 17.66.
6. F.
   The city council may, upon recommendation of the planning commission, invoke a classification other than R-1 (single-family residential) upon properties being annexed to or consolidated with the city by the adoption of an emergency interim ordinance. Formal proceedings, however, must be instituted within a reasonable length of time in order to properly amend the zoning ordinance in the manner set forth in Chapter 17.66 and repeal the emergency ordinance. (Prior code Appx. A, § 305)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Except as provided in this title, no building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as hereinafter specifically provided and allowed in the same zone in which such building and land is located. (Prior code Appx. A, § 306)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Where a number follows the zoning symbol on the zoning map, it shall represent the number of square feet of lot area required for each dwelling unit in lieu of the minimum area established in each zone. If no number follows the zoning symbol, the area prescribed in the chapter governing each zone shall apply. (Prior code Appx. A, § 307)

Effective on: 1/1/1901